Good morning, Gainesville.

INK held its soft opening at its new Oakwood location at 3906 Main Street — across from Oakwood City Hall — on Thursday, where over 375 people saw exhibits like a train, airplane, rocking station and preschool paradise.

Groups like May Day Strong are organizing a Labor Day protest in Gainesville at Poultry Park on Monday at noon—focusing on worker rights and shifting public investment toward healthcare and education.

Another protest is planned nearby in Suwanee as part of the national movement.

A month-long investigation led White County authorities to arrest 15 wanted persons—including Gainesville resident Manrique Delacruz, who faced charges for reckless driving, reckless conduct, and driving with a suspended license—and resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs.

Doug Ivester of Gainesville received the Premier New Development Award on Aug.

27 for his Gainesville Renaissance project—an effort that boosted downtown investment and earned praise from city officials including Mayor Sam Couvillon. The award honors projects that revitalize downtown areas through innovative design and community focus.

Youth Leadership Hall is a leadership program run by the Gainesville Hall Chamber of Commerce that builds skills in high school juniors and seniors using lectures and tours—over 1,100 students have completed the program since 2005.

The 2026 class of 80 students from all 12 local high schools kicked off with an introductory event at the Gainesville Civic Center in August with educators and community members in attendance.

Georgia was declared 95 percent drought-free as of yesterday—our local area reached 100 percent.

Drought remains only in counties in northwest, southwest and coastal regions.

On Aug. 28, a Gainesville water department employee discovered a 1,500-gallon sewer spill caused by grease buildup near the 700 block of Memorial Drive at 5:05 p.m.—the blockage was cleared by 7:35 p.m., with state tests confirming water quality met standards.

North Hall receiver Ty Kemp caught eight passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns to help the Trojans win 43-31 over Cherokee Bluff at The Brickyard on Friday.

Coach Sean Pender said a 66-yard touchdown catch turned the game around—North Hall now has a 2-0 record.

Circus Delman

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Lakeshore Mall — Tickets starting at $53 — Experience the excitement of Circus Delman in Gainesville, GA.

28th Annual Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Free entry — Experience thrilling dragon boat races and vibrant cultural festivities at this annual celebration.

HOT RAM Live Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Blackstrap Rock Hall — Tickets available — Experience the heavy sounds of Atlanta's HOT RAM as they rock the night away.

Lee Greenwood Concert

5-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sounds of Lee Greenwood, an icon in country music with chart-topping hits.

Sammy Kershaw Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy an evening with iconic country artist Sammy Kershaw and his timeless hits.

Paint By Numbers Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — $9.74 — Create beautiful flower vase designs in a fun, guided setting.

Power of the Purse Fashion Show Fundraiser

5-8 p.m. — Ramsey Conference Center — Support WomenSource — Celebrate mentorship and community impact through fashion and storytelling.

Terri Clark Concert

7-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check for ticket prices — Experience the unforgettable legacy of a Canadian country music icon.

Sara Evans Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with multi-platinum country star Sara Evans performing her top hits.

Latino Fest Gainesville

3-9 p.m. — Midland Greenway — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with live music, delicious food, and vibrant performances.